Stock Airbox vs Volant

[Nd4SpdSe]

Well I've been looking at replacing my bad airbox in the very near future, considering I'm scared of stalling the truck with any decent puddle; it's been raining the last 2 days and all the drains are blocked by snow and spring will just be that much worse, like last year.

My stock airbox needs replacing since it will no longer seal properly against water. I've been looking at getting a Volant, but it seems they're not that well sealed either and require modifications to make them water-tight, so I was disapointed to read that, they seem very popular.

So I was wondering if the stock airbox is better or not, if the Volant is truely worth it. More likely I'll be doing a snorkel at the same time and get the intake finally done.

[Lukexskywalker]

I recommend stock Air box over the Volant. With the Volant you need to pull the grill and left head light out to change a God damn light bulb!!! I have one but will be running a amsoil air filter which is a washable paper type filter because K&N or Volant cone style Gauze filters suck. If you oil any K&N filter hold it up to the light I bet you can see some spots where the light shines through. I find this on bikes all the time. K&N filters don't do what the box says ADD 7 HORSEPOWER BUY ADDING THIS FILTER in reality they're letting lots of dirt through them, Doesn't matter if its cone filter or stock air box style K&N. My throttle body butterfly was covered in black sludge after years of running these filters. Gauze type filters might be great for street vehicles, but not for what we do.

So long story short get another stock air box and run stock filters. In the long run you will be much happier.

[Nd4SpdSe]

I already have to pull my batteries to do the passenger side headlight bulb

I've always had a hard time getting the OEM airbox closed properly, so I was figuring the Volant would/could more reliably sealed off.

[Lukexskywalker]

LOL... The top of the Volant seals like crap too, I'm going to make a gasket for mine, but it shouldn't be like that regardless.

[Simon]

Michel, the most likely issue with your airbox is due to your body lift. I bent the brackets that hold the airbox in place, and tilted the outlet down slightly toward the motor. That allows me to open and close the box easier as the intake tubing isn't at such an extreme angle.

[Lukexskywalker]

Michel, the most likely issue with your airbox is due to your body lift. I bent the brackets that hold the airbox in place, and tilted the outlet down slightly toward the motor. That allows me to open and close the box easier as the intake tubing isn't at such an extreme angle.

See just do that and run stock

[Jayman]

In order to get my stock box sealed up, I had to move it around and bend a couple of brackets to make it work.

I also had to silicone the numerous holes in the bottom of the box as well. There are small drain holes in the bottom of the air box to allow any condensed moisture to drain OUT of the box, which are counter to what you would want if the intention is to use the stock box in conjunction with a snorkel.

I think if I were to do it again, I would see about either eliminating the stock box all together, and running the tubing through the fender directly into the intake. The question would then be how to filter the air, which could be achieved through fitting a filter on the top of the snorkel stack (where the head is currently), instead of inside the engine bay.

You could also fab up your own box to suit your needs, but that's obviously going to be more challenging then adapting the current set up.

[Nd4SpdSe]

Indeed. I'm not a fan of the clamshell design of the stock airbox, that sealing it depends on those clips and also the seal is done with the filter itself.

Despite that the Volant doesn't seal well, on the top cover I see it as being more easilly modifiable to be properly sealed.


And it looks like it had an oval end...where does that go? Does it need a Volant to Snokel adapter?

[Lukexskywalker]

Mine has a Volant to snorkel adapter

[Lukexskywalker]

AC sells them

[Nd4SpdSe]

Ok, was wondering, cause it was mentioned it was for the 05+ Xterra Volant intake, but I didn't know if it was needed for the 00-04

[Nd4SpdSe]

Did you use the adapter for the 05+?

[Lukexskywalker]

Not sure if its identical, cant look at my truck until later. Drew had the Volant and snorkel installed before I bought it.

[Scotto]

I don't have problems with the Volant. I've had to make my own K&N filter b/c I couldn't find the right fit. But it's fine.


Sent from my iThingy

[Nd4SpdSe]

Scotto, what do you have for an adapter from your snorkel

[Nd4SpdSe]

Is there literally no information on this? The Volant seen to be very popular, as well as snorkels, but no one runs this as a combo? I can't find info on this on any Xterra forums...

[Nd4SpdSe]

Snorkel ordered. (damn exchange has dropped to 88c?) Waiting on the Volant. Might order it off of eBay, it's $75 cheaper, and AC wants $130 for shipping, so we'll see if he's cheaper.